Introduction

Walk down any supplement aisle and you'll see a dozen boxes claiming to contain ginseng, but the amount, the extract ratio and the plant part used can vary enormously from one brand to the next. Knowing what to check before you buy saves you from paying for mostly filler.

Crucial Criteria to Look For

Look past the front of the box and read the actual ingredient panel. A proper extract will state a specific milligram amount tied to root extract, not just the word 'ginseng' on its own.

• Stated amount: A clear milligram figure per capsule, not a hidden 'proprietary blend'.
• Extract type: Root extract rather than leaf or a generic powder of unclear origin.
• Batch consistency: Evidence that the supplier standardises extract ratio between batches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cheaper market copies often bulk out capsules with chalk-based fillers and list ginseng as part of an unspecified blend, so you have no real way to know how much active extract you're actually getting per dose.

Expert Recommendations

Choose a brand that prints the exact amount on the label, keep the box sealed until use to protect the extract, and store it somewhere cool and dry rather than a steamy bathroom cabinet.